his answer strengthened men and women around the world. >> president obama today quoted nelson mandela, describing himself as a sinner, he keeps on trying. is it important for us not to hide to somem to kind of secular sainthood? >> it is very dangerous to elevate any human being higher highere human brain -- than a human being. young people than are discouraged from trying. they will say this is mr. king or nelson mandela or mahatma gandhi -- what's the point of me trying to be that? i'm just a normal person. >> can i ask you about your memories of the man? >> i have always been impressed with his kindness. he did not indulge rudeness or bad manners, but he was very kind and understood that people can change. will not forget you. we will not dishonor you. we will remember and be glad that you lived among us, that you taught us, and that you loved us. >> maia angelou -- maya angelou there on the day the world paused to remember a great man. >> make sense of international news at bbc.com/news. >> funding of this presentation is made possible by the freeman foundation, newman's own found